How to Homeschool in Nebraska

Nebraska homeschooling lets families transform the Cornhusker State’s prairies, sandhills, and vibrant college towns into a personalized learning landscape. Whether you’re studying river ecosystems along the Platte or exploring UNL’s campus for STEM inspiration, Nebraska’s supportive legal framework and community resources empower you to tailor education to your child’s unique strengths.

Use this guide to get started quickly: file your Exempt School Program registration, choose resources that fit your learner, and plug into local support so you can homeschool with confidence.

How to Start Homeschooling in Nebraska

To begin, register your home through the Nebraska Department of Education’s Exempt School Program via the online portal or by mail. You will need each child’s birth certificate.

Renew this exemption annually; submissions are recommended by July 15 before the upcoming school year. Filing after this date is still accepted.
There are no fees, no approval of curriculum, and no further state oversight required—filing your exemption is all it takes to teach at home.

Homeschooling Laws in Nebraska and Requirements

Nebraska law requires parents to register their home as an exempt school through the Exempt School Program. A minimum of 1,032 instructional hours for elementary grades and 1,080 instructional hours for secondary grades is required annually between July 1 and June 30.

Instruction must include the basic skills of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health. There are no portfolio or testing requirements.

Homeschooling is an option for children from age six through eighteen, and you set the pace, curriculum, and schedule that work best for your family.

Nebraska Homeschool Curriculum and Programs

You choose what inspires your learner. Many families use mastery-based, multisensory programs like:

If you’d like extra community, umbrella schools and cooperatives offer optional classes, group activities, and social events—but these extras are entirely up to you.

Free Homeschooling in Nebraska

Nebraska homeschoolers can access free resources through public library collections, open educational platforms like Khan Academy, and resource-sharing co-ops. The All About Learning Press Free Resources page also offers downloadable learning activities and educational information at no cost.

Nebraska Homeschool Groups and Community Support

Local support groups and co-ops throughout the state host:

Field trips
Cooperative classes
Social meet-ups that enrich learning and connect families
Annual curriculum fairs
Parent workshops that provide fresh ideas and encouragement

Final Encouragement

You’ve got the essentials: file your Exempt School Program registration, choose the subjects and schedule that spark your child’s curiosity, and draw on Nebraska’s rich natural and academic resources. Trust your creativity, celebrate each accomplishment—whether mastering multiplication or conducting outdoor science experiments—and remember that you’re the perfect guide for your learner. You’ve got this!

If you’re new to homeschooling or want tips from veteran homeschoolers, check out these free resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homeschooling legal in Nebraska?

Yes—Nebraska recognizes home programs through the Exempt School Program with no further mandates.

How do I renew my exemption?

Complete the Exempt School Program renewal each spring before the new school year; submitting by July 15 is recommended.

Can I homeschool for free in Nebraska?

Absolutely—free library resources, online platforms, and shared co-op materials help keep costs low.

Where can I find local support?

Look for Nebraska homeschool organizations and co-ops near you, and connect with other local homeschoolers for meetups and classes.

Helpful Resources

Disclaimer:

All information is current as of August 2025. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for official guidance.